Families fear their streets will become perilous rat runs when Bradford's first guided buses travel along Manchester Road.

They believe car drivers will take to the surrounding streets to avoid the £9 million scheme in which buses will run down the centre of the road on special tracks.

Traffic surveys have been carried out in preparation for work on the scheme, which is expected to take about a year. And officers will tell a joint meeting of Bradford South and West Area Panels tomorrow that some side streets are already carrying 500 vehicles an hour at peak times.

They say other, less busy streets could also be vulnerable once the guided buses start running and impatient motorists are not prepared to wait to get through.

The panels will consider an objection from Odsal Labour ward councillor Dave Green, on behalf of residents. He says traffic restrictions should be brought in to cover nearby streets.

He has stressed that he is not opposed to the scheme but wants potential problems dealt with.

Officers will recommend that further studies are carried out to protect residents while the scheme is built and operating.

But Coun Green said: "The work is due to start and I am extremely disappointed with the recommendation from the officers. We raised 18 months ago the possibility of rat running, especially in Netherlands Avenue, and nothing is being done except talking

"We don't think it is good enough to wait to see how dangerous the streets become before doing anything. It's a fact that many selfish car drivers are going to think they can save themselves a couple of minutes by going down a side street.

"We are also concerned about the possibility of a park and ride scheme in Odsal stadium which may link with the guided buses.

"There has been no public consultation with residents about that particular aspect, which could obviously affect them."

The traffic order is likely to be amended by the panels after an objection from Bradford Chamber of Trade to a clearway restriction the length of the scheme.

Officers are now recommending the clearway should only apply to bus stops. The Chamber objected to protect existing parking for its businesses.